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© 2026 The Dance Physio Podcast
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A podcast designed to explore ideas and foster discussion around dancer health and wellness. The Dance Physio Podcast aims to challenge the status quo, bridge the gap between dance science and the studio, and help change the landscape of the dance industry for the better.
122 Episodes
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The 2026 Winter Olympics just concluded in Milano-Cortina, and like many people I was absolutely glued to my TV for the duration of the games. For anyone who has followed me for any length of time, this won't come as a surprise - I am a huge sports fan, and especially love the Olympic Games. There are so many parallels between amateur sport (especially the lesser known sports that only really get seen every 4 years at the Olympics) and the dance world. In this episode I highlight 5 incr...
Not every dancer dreams of performing, and even the most successful performers have to transition out of performance careers at some point. In the past, many dancers assumed the only way to stay in the dance industry was to go into teaching or coaching. In this episode, we explore alternate career options connected to the dance industry that do not involve performing or teaching. Whether you're interested in healthcare, event management, research, fashion or something entirely different, the ...
If you've been around for any length of time, you know how much I LOVE the Olympics. The recent Milano Cortina Winter Games just concluded, and these games showcased some high profile athletes who were competing while injured (or had to make the difficult decision not to). In this podcast episode, I break down some of the decision making processes that elite level athletes and their teams use when making these decisions, and how they can be applied to the dance world. Additional podcast epi...
Inspired by my recent talk at The Dancewear Association of Canada conference, in this episode I summarize some of the common challenges we see in pointe shoe fitting. I have broken down these challenges into 2 main categories: skin/nail health and structural/biomechanical issues. This episode goes through some of the common causes of these issues, both from a shoe fitting perspective and a physical/anatomical perspective. I also discuss the importance of a collaborative approach to poin...
This week I'm joined by Caitlin Sloan of The Brainy Ballerina to talk about all things related to auditions. Caitlin shares her approach to helping dancers not just survive, but thrive during audition season. She answers questions such as: How far in advance you should be preparing for an auditionWhen to consider in-person vs a video auditionHow to approach an audition when dealing with or recovering from an injury About Caitlin: Caitlin Sloan, founder & CEO of The Brainy Ballerina, is a...
In this episode we dive into chondromalacia and how it affects dancers. You'll learn what exactly chrondromalacia is, how it is graded and what causes it. You'll also learn the most common ways it presents in dancers, and best practice for treatment of it. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Episode 59: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in Dancers Episode 86: Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) in Dancers Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika...
With rates of scoliosis in dancers reported to be as high as 20-30% of dancers, it's no wonder this is a topic that gets a lot of attention within the dance world. As a follow-up to last week's episode (Episode 115: Scoliosis 101 with Andrea Mendoza of The ScoliClinic), in this week's episode I discuss the practicalities of dancing with scoliosis. You'll learn the difference between a functional and structural scoliosis, the common patterns and asymmetries that teachers may observe and dancer...
This week I'm joined by scoliosis expert and owner of The ScoliClinic Andrea Mendoza. Andrea shares her story and the inspiration behind opening a clinic specific for scoliosis clients and their families. We also touch on: what exactly scoliosis is and how it affects the bodythe pathophysiology behind scoliosis and why it happenshow scoliosis affects dancer populationssigns to look out for and when to refer to medical professionalstreatment options for dancers with scoliosisAbout Andrea: Andr...
Have you ever wondered what it's like to work with a dance physiotherapist? Or specifically with me or one of the physiotherapists at Allegro Performance + Wellness? In this podcast episode, I discuss the 5 key pillars of the philosophy that guides my approach to treatment and rehabilitation when working with dancers and other artistic athletes. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Episode 1: My Journey as a Dance Physiotherapist Episode 32: Accommodating Modifications in Da...
Welcome to 2026! On this podcast episode, I share my word of the year for 2026, as well as the process behind how and why I pick a word of the year. If you're looking for something a little different than traditional New Year's Resolutions (or maybe in addition to), have a listen to find out all about choosing a word of the year. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Episode 62: Word of the Year and Goal Setting for 2025 Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow me on Instagram:...
The winter break is fast approaching, and dancers are starting to think about how to get the most out of their time off. In this podcast episode, I dive into what your priorities for winter break training should be, especially if your break is on the longer side (ie longer than 2 weeks). I also discuss using the winter break to address any injuries or aches/pains that have crept up over the past weeks/months. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Episode 60: Winter Break Tr...
Have you ever wondered why dancer's joints make so much noise? In this podcast episode, you'll learn what's actually happening when joints snap, crackle and pop, why it's so common in dancers, and when to be concerned about it. Episodes mentioned in this podcast: Episode 51: Snapping Hip Syndrome in Dancers Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerikaLearn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.comSign up for my newsletter: Click hereSend m...
The wait is over! The 2025 Holiday Gift Guide is here! On this week's podcast episode, I bring you some of my favourite products for the dancers (or dance teachers ;) on your holiday list! Before you head out for your holiday shopping, have a listen and see which dancer health and wellness products I recommend. Access the 2024 Holiday Gift Guide *Note: links below are not affiliate links and I receive no compensation from sharing - they're simply for ease of finding the product. Although so...
Mental rehearsal (also known as Motor Imagery) is the practice of mentally simulating a movement without physical exertion. It has a multitude of benefits, many of which can be utilized by dancers when they are not able to physically participate in class 100%. On this episode of the podcast, you will learn the theory behind how motor imagery works, the research behind it's benefits, and how dancers can implement it into their practice, especially if they are recovering from an injury. Learn...
I just returned from the Healthy Dancer Canada annual conference which was held in Montreal, QC this month. Attending conferences (and any professional development opportunities really) is high on my list of things that fill my bucket, and this conference is no exception. On this week's podcast episode, I discuss what makes this particular conference unique compared with other conferences I attend regularly, some of my highlights from the weekend, as well as some key takeaway messages. Lear...
Pelvic health for dancers is an area of clinical practice that is currently growing in research and awareness. This week on the podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Brooke Winder to discuss pelvic health issues that are common in dancers. In this episode, we cover common pelvic health symptoms that dancers (of all ages) may experience, why stubborn back, pelvic girdle or hip pain may actually be related to your pelvic floor, and how certain cueing or technique used in dance may be contributing to pelvi...
Progressing to pointe work has long been considered a rite of passage for many aspiring ballet dancers. However, it does not come without risks. Dancing en pointe increases the forces placed on the foot by up to 12x bodyweight, and if progressed too soon can lead to an increased risk of pain and injury. Historically, dancers were thought to be ready to start training en pointe at 12 years of age. However, with advances in dance science, it is now known that there are many complex factor...
Did you know that despite ballet being predominantly populated by cis gender girls in training settings (92% in the UK), men take up the vast majority of leadership roles (artistic directors, choreographers etc). In this week's podcast episode, I sit down with Anna Morgan to chat about her master's research into gender equity in ballet leadership and training, and what she's learned over the past few years diving into this data. She shares some of the problems that arise when ballet is taught...
In this episode, I discuss hip dysplasia and why it matters for dancers. You'll learn exactly what hip dysplasia is, how it is diagnosed, and common complications that may arise for dancers with hip dysplasia. You'll also learn teaching and treatment techniques to help minimize the effects of hip dysplasia for dancers. Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerikaLearn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.comSign up for my newsletter: Click he...
In this podcast episode I recap my recent presentation at the IADMS Annual Conference in Las Vegas, a workshop with longtime friend, mentor and colleague Astrid Sherman. Comprised of 26 bones, 33 joints and hundreds of muscles, the foot is a complex structure. It functions to support the body, absorb shock, and facilitate movement through locomotion. It can also give us information about how a dancer is moving and functioning. Clenching toes when “pointing the foot” in plantar flexion, grippi...
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